Kop, beschilderd met korenbloemen c. 1784

This is a cup, painted with cornflowers, crafted in Loosdrecht. The cup's form immediately strikes one as simple, almost elemental. Its curved shape, rendered in porcelain, is smooth, with a glossy surface. The cup invites both visual and tactile interaction. Scattered across this pristine surface are delicate cornflowers. These aren't arranged in a structured pattern but seem to float freely, adding a layer of playful informality to the cup. The choice of cornflowers as decoration can be interpreted through semiotic lenses. In certain cultural contexts, flowers symbolize fragility and fleeting beauty. The cup itself, a commonplace object, is elevated to an art form through these thoughtful additions. The craftsmanship isn't just about aesthetics; it challenges the very notion of the everyday, prompting reflection on how art can transform our experiences. Consider how the cup is not merely a functional item but a canvas for questioning and redefining established meanings. The artist prompts us to see beyond the surface, engaging with the deeper structures that give meaning to our world.